Just when you thought it was over, ODJFS has sent a batch of new determination notices claiming people were overpaid Pandemic Unemployment Benefits for people who received PUA years ago. The determination come in pairs, one regarding identity verification and the other for fraud. These are typically tied together - both resulting from the identity verification issue.

To resolve these determinations, calls to ODJFS are insufficient. The appeals must be timely filed and the correct documentation must be provided. ODJFS will then issue a redetermination notice, hopefully eliminating the overpayment. If not, there is a second appeal step that will move the case to the Unemployment Compensation Review Commission for a hearing.

It is critical that the correct documentation be obtained. They are particular about this documentation. It is not an excuse to say you do not have the documentation - it needs to be gathered. When we assist people with these appeals, we help them to gather the documentation, review it to ensure it is complete, and file the appeals. When necessary, we provide representation through the hearings.

This is a list of the documents they require:

Photo Identification – Acceptable forms of photo ID include a copy of your passport, driver’s license, state identification card, military identification, permanent resident card, or student identification card.
Full Legal Name – Acceptable documents to prove your full legal name include a copy of your valid driver’s license, military identification, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, U.S. passport, foreign passport with visa, or other official document.
Date of Birth – Acceptable documents to prove your date of birth include a copy of your valid driver’s license, military identification, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, U.S. passport, foreign passport with visa, or other official document.
Legal Presence in the U.S. – Acceptable documents to prove your legal presence in the U.S. include a copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, or other official document.
Social Security Number – Acceptable documents to prove your Social Security number include your Social Security card, W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) from the last complete tax year, 1099 form, or pay stub.
Street Address – Acceptable documents to prove your street address include a bank statement, pay stub, W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) from the last complete tax year, or 1099 form.
Bank Account – Acceptable documents to prove that your bank account is legitimate include a bank statement issued within the last 12 months or a copy of a voided check.

The documents must be complete. Social Security cards must be signed. Passports must be signed. ID’s cannot be expired. Bank information must show the full account and routing numbers. Addresses must match. Blurry images will be of no use. Our review ensures the correct documentation is supplied correctly, to remove these overpayments and fraud notices.